Vanlifers rejoice! The Westfalia Wave Camper marks a significant return for the iconic Westfalia brand to the North American market after nearly two decades. The Wave Camper, based on the ever-popular Ram Promaster (the new gold standard for Vanlife conversions), reintroduces the Westfalia experience with modern enhancements and a design tailored for both comfort and practicality.
One of the standout features of the Wave Camper is its versatile sleeping arrangements. The manufacturer claims that the Wave can accommodate up to six people (four humans and a dog or two would be a better fit), the rear bed area can be configured as a twin, double, or queen bed, and includes smart storage solutions like cubbies under steps, alcoves, and side pockets. Additionally, the camper is equipped with a folding double bed that covers the dinette area and the driver seat, as well as a bed in the pop-top, which seems an adventure to access and is perhaps better suited to youngsters. It is important to note that the van has only four seatbelts, limiting the camper to sleeping four people during transit.
The camper van is equipped with a range of modern conveniences. It includes a Truma Combi furnace and water heater system, a propane cooktop, a Vitrifrigo refrigerator, a microwave, and a cassette toilet in the wet bath. For power, it relies on a 600 amp-hour lithium battery bank and a 3,000-watt inverter. The electrical systems are controlled via a Firefly Integrations tablet, adding a touch of smart technology to the camping experience.
In terms of performance, the Wave is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, capable of delivering 276 horsepower and 250 pound-foot of torque; a tow hitch suggests additional capacity for hauling gear or trailers. This engine is tried and tested, and we have seen Promasters all the way down in Central America, where they performed faultlessly, according to their dreadlocked occupants.
The design and interiors of the Wave Camper reflect a blend of European styling with modern, natural tones, sleek lines, and monochromatic graphite accents. The coach features white seat covers, a multitude of storage solutions, and patented convertible seating. These elements contribute to a functional yet aesthetically pleasing environment, suitable for both short trips and longer adventures. The ceiling-mounted storage cupboards are many and plentiful; care should be taken not to store heavy objects up high as that weight may adversely affect handling and body roll.
As for carrying large objects such as paddleboards and mountain bikes, Westfalia has designed a clever system involving a central pass-through in the bed area, as roof storage seems not to be an option. A section of the bed can be raised to fit bicycles or other large items, offering a secure and accessible storage solution or a garage of sorts for tools, generators, and camping gear.
The Westfalia Wave Camper’s re-entry into the North American market is accompanied by the establishment of an exclusive dealer network, indicating the brand’s commitment to accessibility and customer service in the region.
While specifics on the van’s price are yet to be disclosed, we would imagine that, due to the brand and the features, the pricing will hover around $100,000, hopefully less.
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